When wealthy individuals are willing to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a ballot initiative, it’s crucial to ask: “What’s their motivation?” It often boils down to greed and power.
Take Initiative 2109, for example. If this initiative passes, taxes on capital gains over $250,000 would be eliminated. While everyone appreciates lower taxes, the primary beneficiaries would be the wealthy, while critical funding for K-12 education, school construction, higher education, and child care would be jeopardized. This effectively becomes a massive welfare program for the rich.
Then there’s I-2066, which dishonestly claims to protect the choice to use natural gas. However, this so-called protection already exists in state law. What it really does is undermine programs designed to promote clean, renewable, and cost-effective energy, prioritizing fossil fuel interests at the expense of our environment.
I-2117 threatens Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. It’s no surprise that over 500 diverse organizations —including BP, the Sierra Club, Puget Sound Energy, Tribal Leaders, and REI — are fighting against it. If I-2117 passes, we can expect increased air pollution, job losses, traffic congestion, more wildfires, deteriorating ferry services, and negative farming impacts.
Lastly, I-2124 aims to shift Washington’s long-term care insurance program to a voluntary basis. While the premium is tiny (0.58%), the benefits are substantial. If this passes, the financial burden of those who become disabled without coverage would likely fall on families and taxpayers, leading to greater hardship. Proponents suggest that their proposal’s offers flexibility, but the private insurance options are insanely expensive. More than 100 organizations oppose this measure for excellent reason.
Please, just say no to all four measures!
Mark Rohde
Snohomish
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